13 Plants You Should Never Grow Inside
Bringing nature indoors can feel like a breath of fresh air, but not every plant is a good roommate. Some species thrive in the wild yet become a burden when trapped in a pot or container. Whether they're toxic to pets or just too demanding for a standard living room, knowing which plants to skip will save you time and heartbreak. Here are nine plants that are better left in the Great Outdoors.
Majesty Palm
Majesty Palms look like a tropical dream in the garden center, but they're notoriously difficult to keep alive inside. They require incredibly high humidity and constant, bright light that most homes simply cannot provide. Without a greenhouse environment, they quickly turn brown and attract spider mites. You'll likely spend more time cleaning up dead fronds than enjoying the greenery. It's kinder, to yourself and the plant, to choose a hardier palm that actually likes indoor life.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Fiddle Leaf Figs are the darlings of interior design, yet they're incredibly temperamental. They hate drafts, they hate being moved, and they'll drop their leaves if the watering schedule is off by even a day. For most people, maintaining the perfect balance of light and moisture feels like a full-time job. Unless you're prepared for a high-maintenance relationship with a plant that pouts, you're better off with something sturdy like a Rubber Tree instead.
Oleander
Oleander is undeniably beautiful with its small pink flowers, but it's one of the most poisonous plants you could bring home. Every part of this plant is toxic if ingested. In a confined indoor space, the risk to curious pets or small children is far too high. There's no reason to invite that kind of danger into your home when there are plenty of safe, vibrant alternatives that won't land anyone in the hospital.
Saguaro
It can feel tempting to bring a giant cactus into your decor, it would certainly look striking in the right home, but a Saguaro belongs in the desert. These giants grow incredibly slowly and need intense, direct ultraviolet light to stay healthy. Standard indoor lighting, even near a large window, is rarely enough. Over time, the cactus will begin to stretch and deform in a process called etiolation, chasing sunlight no home can provide enough of.
Weeping Fig
The Weeping Fig earned its name because it drops leaves at the slightest hint of stress. If you turn on the heater or open a window, you'll find a pile of yellow leaves on your floor the next morning. They're also prone to dripping sap that can damage your furniture or hardwood floors. While they look like lovely indoor trees, the constant cleanup and finicky attitude make them a poor choice for a relaxed home.
Boston Fern
Boston Ferns are classic, but they're miserable in the dry air created by air conditioning and furnaces. Without a constant misting system or a dedicated humidifier, they shed tiny brown leaflets that get into every rug and crevice. They require a level of dampness that can eventually lead to mold issues in your home's upholstery. Unless you live in a literal swamp, these plants are often more trouble than they're worth for your interior.
Bird Of Paradise
A Bird of Paradise starts as a manageable floor plant, but quickly transforms into a giant that consumes your living space. These plants can reach heights of six feet or more, with massive leaves that block windows and crowd out furniture. They need an immense amount of light to actually produce their famous orange flowers, which rarely happens in a standard house. Unless you live in a literal ballroom, this plant will eventually outgrow your welcome.
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are breathtaking in a garden, but they're a nightmare to maintain as houseplants. They've earned their name from their massive thirst for water. Inside a home, the soil dries out faster than you'd expect, causing the blooms to wilt within hours if you're not constantly topping up water. They also require a period of cold dormancy that a climate-controlled room simply doesn't provide. Without that seasonal chill, the plant won't bloom again and will eventually lose its vigor.
Crown Of Thorns
While this succulent is hardy, it's a poor choice for indoor aesthetics and safety. It's covered in sharp, thick spines that make repotting a painful chore, and if the stems are broken, they leak a milky sap that's a skin irritant and toxic to pets. Furthermore, the flowers don't always smell pleasant in a confined area, which is the last thing you want in an indoor plant. It's a rugged species that thrives in the sun and wind, not on a delicate coffee table.
Mother-In-Law's Cushion
While many cacti are charming, this specific variety is covered in thousands of tiny, hooked spines. In a tight indoor hallway or a crowded shelf, it's a hazard waiting to happen. If you accidentally brush against it, the needles are difficult to remove from skin and clothing. Since indoor spaces involve a lot of close-quarters movement, having a plant that's essentially a landmine isn't practical. Keep the prickly plants in the outdoor rock garden.
English Ivy
English Ivy looks charming cascading down a bookshelf, but it's a potential hazard to your home's structure. It grows aggressively and uses tiny aerial roots to cling to surfaces, which can ruin paint or wooden trim. Inside, it's also a magnet for spider mites because it prefers much cooler, more humid air than most people find comfortable. It's best to leave this climber outside where it can roam without damaging your interior walls. If you want an indoor vining plant, look to Pothos instead.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus grows at an alarming rate. What starts as a small, fragrant sprig can quickly turn into a lanky, out-of-control tree that hits your ceiling. It needs massive amounts of water and full sun to maintain its signature scent and silvery color. Inside, it often looks sparse and sickly. It's also highly flammable due to its natural oils, which isn't a trait you want in a plant sitting near your household electronics or candles.
Gardenia
Gardenias are famous for their heavenly scent, but they're incredibly fussy when brought indoors. They require a very specific balance of cool nights and warm, sunny days to set their buds. Most indoor heating systems make the air too dry, which causes the flower buds to drop before they ever open. You'll likely end up with a collection of bare sticks instead of fragrant flowers. They're much happier in a sheltered outdoor spot.
By avoiding these high-stress houseplant species, you're setting yourself up for a home that actually feels like a sanctuary rather than a nursery ward. Focus on plants that adapt to your lifestyle so you can spend your time enjoying the view instead of worrying about wilting leaves. Having a fleet of healthy houseplants only happens if you choose plants that can thrive indoors!